He said: "The underlying principle of devolution is that, wherever possible, decisions about Greater Manchester should be taken here in Greater Manchester rather than by Whitehall civil servants and Westminster politicians.

"This is what's happening. It means decisions can be taken based on local knowledge and an understanding of local priorities, challenges and opportunities.

"The elected mayor will work closely with GMCA's political leadership, which is made up of the 10 elected leaders of Greater Manchester councils. It is a democratically accountable model."

Stephen Hall, president of the Association of Greater Manchester Trade Unions Councils, is from the WUW campaign.

He had called for the referendum, saying it was "hard to fathom how something which is supposed to empower the people shouldn't involve them".

"People should be involved in a discussion about what devolution should look like, rather than being told 'This is what you're having, whether you like it or not'," he said.

It was revealed in January that the region would have an interim mayor from June, who would be chosen from existing council leaders or someone who already holds an elected post in Greater Manchester, such as a senior councillor, MP or Police and Crime Commissioner. Elections for a regional mayor will be held in 2017.

Devolution will give additional powers on areas including health, transport, planning, housing as well as skills and business support